Expert comment: NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian resigns over ICAC investigation

At a press conference on August 10, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian was characteristically resolute.

The daily Covid-19 update had been thrown off course with legitimate questions by ABC reporter Paul Farrell who wanted answers about the scandal that today forced her resignation.

He asked her once about her alleged involvement in a $5.5 million grant sought by her former boyfriend Daryl Maguire in 2017.

The money was being sought for the Australian Clay Target Association’s clubhouse and convention centre in Mr Maguire’s former electorate of Wagga Wagga.

Less than two months later, Ms Berejiklian has been forced to address the matter as the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) confirmed it is investigating whether she “breached public trust” or “encouraged corrupt conduct”.

She said she had “never felt stronger or more confident in my leadership” but that the decision was inevitable.

Regardless, it will leave many of her constituents feeling “abandoned”, PR expert Nicole Reaney told news.com.au.

The outgoing Premier said she was proud of her time as NSW leader and that she upheld the integrity of the office.

“As the leader of the NSW Government, I have expected the highest of standards of myself and my colleagues.

“I have made it clear on numerous occasions that if any of my ministers were the subject of allegations being investigated by an integrity agency or law-enforcement, then he or she should stand aside during the course of the investigation until their name was cleared.

“The reason for my stance was not to have made any presumptions as to their conduct, but rather to maintain the integrity of the public office which was held whilst an investigation was completed. That same standard must apply to me as Premier.”

For the full story head to News.com.au.

Nicole Reaney, Director of InsideOut PR and founder of influencer agency, #AsSeenOn . Nicole has extensive experience in corporate and consumer PR and Communications and is available to comment on topics.